Balance

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” 

-Thomas Merton

It seems so often in life, things get out of balance. Health, finances/money, relationships, work, play, decorating, time, church, social media, electronics, etc. Most of us live a life that is far out of balance – putting the things that are not as important first, or letting them tip the scales too far in one direction. And like I tell my kids, "Too much of a good thing is not a good thing!" Everything is good in moderation and balance.

The definition of what balance means to each of us is different, but there are some universal truths. For instance: each us needs a healthy work and life balance to be truly healthy and happy, and our mind, and soul must be in balance to truly be at peace, and to live a life of harmony. 

"Follow the laws of Nature and you’ll never go wrong" 

- Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee 

Living in Harmony with Nature means bringing all aspects of life into balance; a balance that is deeply satisfying and promotes a healthy experience of being fully human and fully engaged with life. 

So here's a list of ideas I'm going to try to implicate to keep my life in balance this year: 

Work - We all have bills to pay and responsibilities. There's nothing wrong with making a good living or saving for the future. The key is knowing when enough is just that, enough. Balance = Pushing yourself to achieve goals vs. seeing the bigger picture and enjoying the ride. 

Health – We know what we need to do, but it isn’t a priority until we have a health crisis. Our health affects the quality of our lives and our work. We are far more productive and happier when we get enough sleep, eat a little healthier, and fit in some type of activity - do something you enjoy, for me that means walks with my hubby! Balance = Eating, drinking, and exercising properly vs. resting and treating yourself to an extra treat.

Detox – Minimize the negative influences around you. Avoid toxic people -complainers, whiners, poor attitudes, etc. If you can’t completely avoid them, at least minimize contact and tune them out as much as you can. Surround yourself with positive, supportive, can-do people.

Time – Making time for you is probably the hardest thing to do for the average overworked and overwhelmed person, but it is crucial for lowering stress, increasing happiness, and encouraging creativity. Some things to try; meditate, write, sketch, take a bubble bath, listen to music, or take a nap. Balance = Giving love vs. receiving love.

Relationships – Set aside quality time to spend with your family and friends. Don’t just sit in front of the television. Really connect and pay attention to those you care about. Make a date with your significant other, have coffee with a friend, play a game with your kids. Really get to know the people around you. Balance = Fulfilling your familial responsibilities vs. creating healthy boundaries. 

Edit – It’s a given that if your life is overflowing, you will never be able to achieve balance and manage it all. It’s just not possible. Say no to everything that is either not essential, or doesn’t add something valuable to your life. Be ruthless! Declutter everything!

Yourself – Get a pedicure or a facial. Schedule a massage. It doesn’t need to be costly; a glass of your favorite drink, a delightfully scented candle or beautiful flowers will make a huge impact. Be good to yourself! Balance = Satisfying your social desires vs. taking time for yourself.

Adventure – Take a walk and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Take a new route, visit a new town or try being a tourist in your own. Attend a local performance, play amateur photographer, order something on the menu you've never tried before, or go to the park and watch kids play. They know how to enjoy life!

Expand – Take a class, learn to paint, try something new that you’ve always wanted to learn. Read a book that sparks your interest. Find what interests you. Balance = Challenging yourself intellectually vs. creating opportunities for your mind to rest.

Turn it off – Put the phone down and turn off the computer and TV. It's a scientific fact that quiet gives imagination room to grow. Take time to just be. Balance = knowing what's happening in the world around you vs. not focusing on the world around you.

Have Fun – Laugh, joke, play, find your sense of humor. Nothing makes us feel better than a good old-fashioned belly laugh. Balance = Allocating time for things you enjoy doing vs. making sure you don’t overdo it.

“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.” 

– Robert Fulgham

“Balance. The Ultimate Goal.”

– Ricky Lankford